Rhodes Scholarships

The Rhodes Scholarships are postgraduate awards supporting outstanding all-round students at the University of Oxford, and providing transformative opportunities for exceptional individuals.

Established in 1903 under the will of Cecil Rhodes, the Rhodes is the oldest and perhaps the most prestigious international graduate scholarship program in the world. 

Rhodes's vision in founding the Scholarship was to develop outstanding leaders who would be motivated to fight 'the world's fight' and to 'esteem the performance of public duties as their highest aim', and to promote international understanding and peace.

Eligibility

• Be a U.S. Citizen or permanent resident
• Must be at least 18 but not yet 24 years of age by October 1 in the year of the application deadline
• Superior academic achievement (no less than a 3.9 GPA is advised)

Selection Criteria

• literary and scholastic attainments
• energy to use one's talents to the full
• truth, courage, devotion to duty, sympathy for and protection of the weak, kindliness, unselfishness and fellowship
• moral force of character and instincts to lead, and to take an interest in one's fellow beings.

In general, committees will select applicants of outstanding intellect, character, leadership, and commitment to service.

How to Apply

Submit Notice of Intent Notify us of your intent to apply as soon as possible via email at pesa@ttu.edu in order to initiate the application process. All applicants must must be endorsed by their university in order to apply. The NOI is the first step in alerting the PESA office that a student is seeking endorsement.

Online Application Students must register online to access the application. TTU students must complete the online application and all application components including recommendation letters by the internal deadline of September 1. However, they should not hit SUBMIT until endorsement is received. 

Application Components

• Online application
• Personal statement (1,000 word maximum and may not receive absolutely any help from anyone) 
• List of Personal Activities
• Five, but not more than eight, letters of recommendation. At least four of these letters must be persons from whom the applicant has received undergraduate or graduate instruction, and at least one letter (the fifth) must speak to the applicant's character.
• Official University Transcripts
• University endorsement letter (submitted by NISF director)

Internal Review for Endorsement An internal review committee will review applications and interview applicants after applicant submission. 

Final Submission Final applications are due by the national deadline announce by the Rhodes Trust Office of the American Secretary. The student will make the final submission online.

Recommended Resources

Applying for the Rhodes Scholarship 

Frequently Asked Questions